Abstract: A tissue monitoring device for selecting, administering or adjusting a treatment based on information obtained by monitoring the tissue. The device includes a substrate for applying to the tissue, for example, a human or an animal external, or internal tissue, including vascular tissue; a light source supported by the substrate, the light source emitting light of a first frequency for directing the emitted light onto a surface of the tissue; a photodetector carried by the substrate spaced from the light source for detecting scattered light, wherein the scattered light is the emitted light scattered by the tissue; and a controller in communication with the photodetector and the light source.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and two light sources, which are operable to output light of different colors. The controller is in communication with the light sources and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication by illuminating one of the lights when all the conditions remain in their desired state, and to generate a second indication by illuminating the other light when any of the conditions change from their desired state.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.

Abstract: A patient handling device includes a controller, with a plurality of sensors, control panels, and lamps electrically connected to the controller. The patient handling device records the normal/desired state of the various components when power is applied. When one of the components goes outside the normal/desired state, the controller issues an alarm. This alarm includes illuminating a plurality of amber alert lamps which can normally be viewed by a user at any position around the outside of the patient handling device. The patient handling device also includes a position control. This control restricts movement of an upper (fowler) portion of the patient handling device in a certain range of angular positions, while permitting movement of the upper portion outside the certain range.

Abstract: A location detection system includes a device that is mobile for positioning at a location and has a unique device ID. The device also has circuitry for controlling one or more functions of the device and includes a network interface. A location transmitting device is provided that is spaced from the device for communicating a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the device to the device. The circuitry is operable to send device data, the unique device ID, and the unique location identifier from the device by way of the network interface.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A location detection system includes a device that is mobile for positioning at a location and has a unique device ID. The device also has circuitry for controlling one or more functions of the device and includes a network interface. A location transmitting device is provided that is spaced from the device for communicating a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the device to the device. The circuitry is operable to send device data, the unique device ID, and the unique location identifier from the device by way of the network interface.

Abstract: A location detection system for a facility includes a patient handling device with a communication module with a unique ID, a locator fixed relative to the handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the handling device, and a receiver mounted to the patient device for receiving the unique location identifier. A processing station remote from the handling device and the locator receives the unique location identifier and the unique ID and further correlates the unique ID with a patient supported by the handling device wherein the processing station can track the handling device and the patient supported thereby such that the location of the patient and handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the handling device.

Abstract: A location detection system for a facility includes a patient handling device with a communication module with a unique ID, a locator fixed relative to the handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the handling device, and a receiver mounted to the patient device for receiving the unique location identifier. A processing station remote from the handling device and the locator receives the unique location identifier and the unique ID and further correlates the unique ID with a patient supported by the handling device wherein the processing station can track the handling device and the patient supported thereby such that the location of the patient and handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the handling device.

Abstract: A location detection system for a facility including a patient handling device for supporting a patient and being mobile for positioning at a location in the facility, a locator fixed relative to the patient handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the patient handling device, and a processing station remote from the patient handling device and the locator for receiving the unique location identifier such that the location of the patient handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the patient handling device.

Abstract: A location detection system for a facility including a patient handling device for supporting a patient and being mobile for positioning at a location in the facility, a locator fixed relative to the patient handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the patient handling device, and a processing station remote from the patient handling device and the locator for receiving the unique location identifier such that the location of the patient handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the patient handling device.

Abstract: Location detection systems are provided for determining the location of patient handling devices in a healthcare facility. In one embodiment, the location detection system comprises a locator fixed in each zone of each room in the facility. The locator includes at least one infrared transmitter for transmitting a unique location identifier to a receiver mounted on the patient handling device. A communication module transmits the unique location identifier from the patient handling device to a network utilized by the healthcare facility for the management of patient, personnel, and equipment information. A processing station located on the network processes the unique location identifier to ultimately determine the room and zone location of the patient handling device. The processing station may include a graphical user interface on a touch-screen display for reviewing and manipulating the location information.